by Roberto — Because of the deleterious effects on soil due to the prolonged use and overuse of synthetic fertilizers, the quest for bacteria able to promote plant growth is an ongoing pursuit. Yet, these searches are usually focused on members of a few genera, prime amongst these Bacillus and Pseudomonas. What about the Streptomyces?
by Kevin Blake — It is well-established that microorganisms help vertebrates digest food, such as the bacteria in our gut breaking down complex carbohydrates. But do carnivorous plants engage in similar digestive collaborations?
by Mechas — The ability to fix nitrogen is usually regarded as a property of only a few diazotrophic bacteria and archaea. A new study now shows that some eukaryotes may be capable of fixing nitrogen via the newly described nitroplast, an organelle that has evolved from an endosymbiont.
by Roberto — From its humble beginnings as an inhabitant of the Japanese corbicula clam alimentary canal to center stage attention-getter as a cholesterol-lowering resident of the human gut, Oscillibacter has experienced a meteoric rise to stardom...
by Janie — Among all the human microbiome's kaleidoscopic effects on human health, one likely less frequently thought about by prescribing medical professionals is the ability to chemically alter the medications we take. It's well-established that our gut residents are teeming with enzymes...
by Janie — In storytelling, there is a famous principle called Chekhov's gun. "If in the first act you have hung a pistol on the wall, then in the following one it should be fired. Otherwise, don't put it there." This pithy (and very debatable) directive, attributed to the eponymous playwright, smells a whole lot like the (similarly very debatable) viewpoint of adaptationism...
